2015 Seat Alhambra Owner's Manual

Towing bracket device
CAUTION
● If anything is attached to the tow hitch ball,
do not, under any circumstances press the
button.
● Never direct a high-pressure or steam
cleaning system directly at the tow hitch ball
or trailer power socket. This could cause
damage to seals or remove lubricating
grease. Note
In extremely low temperatures, it is possible
that the tow hitch is not released. In this
case, place the vehicle in a warmer location
(e.g. a garage). Installing a bicycle carrier to the tow
hitch
The maximum load permitted for a bicycle
carrier on the tow hitch ball is
75 kg, with a
m ax
imum distance of 30 cm from the sup-
port. The distance between supports is the
distance between the bicycle carrier centre of
gravity (with the bicycles) and the centre of
point of the tow hitch ball. WARNING
The incorrect use of the tow hitch with a bicy-
cle carrier installed can cause accidents and
injury. ●
Never exceed the load and distances be-
tween supports indicated.
● Never fit the bicycle carrier to the tow hitch
ball neck, underneath the tow hitch given
that the bicycle carrier may be incorrectly fit-
ted due to the shape of the tow hitch and the
model of bicycle carrier.
● Always read and take the manufacturer as-
sembly instructions into account. CAUTION
Exceeding the maximum load and distance
between supports indicated can cause con-
siderable damage to the vehicle.
● Never exceed the specifications. Hitching and connecting the trailer
Fig. 154
Schematic diagram: assignment of
the pins of the trailer's electrical socket.
Key of the Schematic diagram ››› Fig. 154:
PinMeaning
1Left turn signal
2Rear fog light
3Earth, pins 1 to 8
4Right turn signal
5Tail light, right
6Brake lights
7Tail light, left
8Reverse lights
9Permanent live
10Live charge cable
11Unassigned
12Unassigned
13Earth, pins 9 to 13 Trailer power socket
The vehicle is fitted with a 13-pole power
socket for the electrical connection between
the trailer and the vehicle. With the engine
running, electrical devices on the trailer re-
ceive power from the electrical connection
(pin 9 and pin 10 on the trailer power plug).
»
183
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Operation
If the system detects that a trailer has been
connected electrically, the electrical equip-
ment on the trailer will receive voltage
through this connection (pins 9 and 10). Pin
9 has a permanent live. This powers, for ex-
ample, the trailer's interior lighting. Electrical
devices such as a fridge in a caravan only re-
c eiv
e electrical power if the engine is running
(through pin 10).
The earth wires, pin 3 and pin 13, should not
be connected to each other to avoid over-
loading the electrical system.
If the trailer has a 7-contact connector , you
will need to use an adapter cable. In this case
the function corresponding to pin 10 will not
be available.
Trailer cable
Always secure the trailer cable to the towing
vehicle correctly. Leave a little bit of slack in
the cable for turning. However, ensure that
the cable does not rub off the ground while
driving.
Trailer rear lights
Check the trailer rear lights to ensure they
work correctly and remain legal. Ensure that
the trailer does not use more than the maxi-
mum power ›››
page 181. Tr
ailer connected to the anti-theft alarm:
● When a vehicle comes from the factory fit-
ted with an anti-theft alarm and tow hitch.
● When the trailer is connected to the vehicle
using the socket.
● When the vehicle and trailer electrical sys-
tems work correctly and are not damaged.
● When the vehicle is locked using the vehi-
cle key and the anti-theft alarm is turned on.
When the vehicle is locked, the alarm is trig-
gered when the electrical connection be-
tween the vehicle and the trailer is removed.
Always turn off the anti-theft alarm system
before connecting or disconnecting a trailer.
Otherwise, the tilt sensor may erroneously
activate the alarm.
Trailer with rear LED lights
For technical reasons, trailers fitted with rear
LED lights cannot be connected to the anti-
theft alarm system.
When the vehicle is locked, the alarm does
not trigger if the electrical connection with
the trailer is cut if it has rear light with light-
emitting diodes. WARNING
Erroneous or unsuitable connection of elec-
tric cables may supply energy to the trailer
causing an anomaly in the vehicle electronics that could result in an accident with serious
consequences.
●
All work on the electrical system must be
carried out only by a specialised workshop.
● Never connect the trailer's electric system
to the electrical connections of the rear lights
or any other power sources. CAUTION
Do not leave the trailer connected to the vehi-
cle when parked; places on its support wheel
or its supports. For example, when changing
the load or a puncture, the vehicle will be
pushed up or down. The force acting on the
tow hitch and the trailer could damage the
vehicle or the trailer. Note
● In the event of a fault in the vehicle or trail-
er electrical system or in the event of prob-
lems with the anti-theft alarm system, have
the system checked by a specialised work-
shop.
● If the trailer accessories use energy from
the power socket when the engine is stop-
ped, the battery will be discharged.
● For technical reasons, trailers fitted with
rear LED lights cannot be connected to the
anti-theft alarm system.
● If the vehicle battery is running low, the
electrical connection with the trailer is auto-
matically cut. 184

Towing bracket device
●
With the engine running, the electrical
equipment on the trailer will be supplied with
power. Loading the trailer
Trailer weight / drawbar load
The trailer weight is the load that the vehicle
can pull
››› . The drawbar load is the vertical
weight of the tow hitch on the tow hitch ball
››› page 188.
The figur e
s for trailer weights and drawbar
load weights given on the data plate of the
tow hitch are for values of this model only.
The correct figures for your specific vehicle,
which may be lower than these figures for the
t o

w hitch, are given in the vehicle documen-
tation. The instructions in the official vehicle
documents take precedence.
For the sake of road safety, SEAT recom-
mends using the maximum allowed drawbar
load
. The handling of the combined vehicle
and trailer will be poor if the drawbar load is
too low.
The drawbar load increases the weight on the
rear axle, reducing the vehicle carrying ca-
pacity.
Gross combination weight
This figure refers to the combined weight of
the loaded vehicle and loaded trailer. Loading the trailer
The combined vehicle and trailer must be
balanced. Use the maximum drawbar load
authorised and do not overload the front or
the rear of the trailer:
●
Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy
objects are as near to the axle as possible or
above it.
● Correctly secure the trailer load.
Tyre pressure
Inflate the trailer tyres according to the man-
ufacturer's instructions.
Inflate the towing vehicles tyres to the maxi-
mum ››› page 231. WARNING
Exceeding the maximum authorised axle
load, drawbar load or the gross combination
weight of the towing vehicle and trailer could
cause a serious accident with severe conse-
quences.
● Never exceed the specifications.
● With the actual load on the front and rear
axles, the maximum axle load should never
be exceeded. The weight on the front and rear
should never exceed the gross vehicle
weight. WARNING
If the load moves, the stability and safety of
the vehicle and trailer combination will be se-
riously affected and this could result in a seri-
ous accident.
● Always correctly load the trailer.
● Always secure loads correctly with suitable
and undamaged attachment rope or straps. Driving with a trailer
Adjusting the headlights
When towing a trailer, the front of the vehicle
may rise and so the dipped beam headlights
may blind other drivers. Use the headlight
range control to lower the cone of light. If you
do not have headlight range control, have
the headlights adjusted by a specialised
workshop. Vehicles with high-intensity dis-
charge lamps adapt automatically and do not
require adjustment.
Details of driving with a trailer
● If the trailer has an overrun brake, apply
the brakes gently at first and then, firmly.
This will prevent the jerking that can be
caused by the trailer wheels locking.
● As of the combined vehicle and trailer
mass, braking distances will be greater.
● Select a low gear before driving down a
steep hill to use the engine braking effect to »
185
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Operation
slow down the vehicle. Otherwise, the brak-
ing system could overheat and fail.
● The vehicle centre of gravity and handling
change because of the trailer load and be-
cause of the increased combined mass of the
vehicle and trailer.
● If the towing vehicle is empty and the trail-
er loaded then the load distribution is incor-
rect. If you must travel in these conditions,
drive carefully and reduce your speed accord-
ingly.
Hill starts with a trailer
Depending on the hill and the gross com-
bined weight, it is possible that the com-
bined vehicle and trailer move backwards
slightly when starting.
For a hill start with a trailer, proceed as fol-
lows:
● Press and hold the brake pedal.
● Press the button  once to turn off the
electric parking brake ››› page 137.
● Press and hold the button  to hold the
vehicle and trailer combination using the
parking brake.
● With a manual gearbox: press the clutch
pedal to the floor.
● Engage first gear or the gear range D
››› page 143, Changing gear .
● Rel
ease the brake pedal. ●
Move off slowly. To do this, gently release
the clutch pedal (for manual gearbox).
● Release the button  only when the en-
gine provides sufficient power to move the
vehicle and trailer combination. WARNING
Jerking the trailer in an unsuitable manner
could cause loss of vehicle control with the
subsequent serious consequences.
● Driving with a trailer and transporting
heavy or a large objects will change the vehi-
cle handling and braking distances.
● Anticipate traffic and be extremely cau-
tious. Brake early.
● Adjust your speed and driving style to visi-
bility, road, traffic and weather conditions.
Reduce your speed, especially on steep hills.
● Accelerate gently and carefully. Avoid brus-
que manoeuvres and sudden braking.
● Always take the following precautions seri-
ously. Reduce your speed immediately if you
observe the trailer rocking from side to side.
● Never try to stop the “snaking” by increas-
ing speed.
● Always take the speed limits for vehicles
with and without trailers in each country into
account. Stabilising the vehicle and trailer
combination
Stabilisation of the vehicle and trailer combi-
nation is an extension of the electronic sta-
bility control (ESC) and helps, with the assis-
tance of the trajectory control, to reduce trail-
er “snaking”.
Stabilisation of the vehicle and trailer combi-
nation is active when the ESC
 indicator on
the d a

sh panel remains lit for about two sec-
onds more than the ABS indicator.
Requirements for stabilising the
vehicle/trailer combination
● An original tow hitch is fitted by the manu-
facturer or a compatible model is retrofitted.
● The ECS is switched on. The warning lamp
on the dash panel  is not lit.
● The trailer is connected to the vehicle using
the power socket.
● It travels faster than 60 km/h (37 mph).
● The maximum drawbar load is used.
● The trailer must have a fixed drawbar.
● Trailers with brakes must be equipped with
a mechanical inertia brake. WARNING
Do not let the extra safety afforded by the
stabilisation system tempt you into taking
any risks when driving. 186

Towing bracket device
●
Adjust your speed and driving style to visi-
bility, road, traffic and weather conditions.
● If the road surface is slippery, take care
when accelerating.
● When a system is operating, lift your foot
off the accelerator. WARNING
It is possible that the combination stabilisa-
tion system does not correctly recognised all
driving situations.
● It is possible that the stabilisation system
does not detect snaking of a light trailer and
thus does not intervene.
● When driving on slippery ground, the trail-
er could jack-knife despite the stabilisation
sy
stem.
● Trailers with a high centre of gravity may
even tip over before they start to rock side-
ways.
● If a trailer is not used and the trailer power
socket is connected (e.g. installation of a bi-
cycle carrier with lights), repeated automatic
braking may occur in extreme driving condi-
tions. Retrofitting a tow hitch
Fig. 155
Measurements and attachments to
retrofit a tow hitch SEAT recommends visiting a specialised
workshop to retrofit a tow hitch. For example,
it may be necessary to adjust the cooling sys-
tem or to include thermal plates. SEAT recom-mends taking your car in for technical serv-
ice.
In any case, the separation distances must
be observed when fitting a tow hitch. The dis-
tance between the centre of the tow hitch ball
and the road surface
››› Fig. 155 D must nev-
er be lower than that indicated. This also ap-
plies when the vehicle is fully laden, includ-
ing maximum drawbar load.
Separation distances
›
›› Fig. 155
:
Attachment points.
1,040 mm (41 inches)
74 mm (3 inches)
364 mm (14 inches)
247 mm (10 inches)
596 mm (23 inches)
1,097 mm (43 inches)
1,102 mm (43 inches) WARNING
Erroneous or unsuitable connection of elec-
tric cables may cause anomalies in the vehi-
cle electronics that could result in an acci-
dent with serious consequences.
● Never connect the trailer's electric system
to the electrical connections of the rear lights
or any other unsuitable power sources. Only
use suitable connectors to connect a trailer.
● Visit a specialised workshop if you wish to
retrofit a tow hitch to the vehicle. » A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
187
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Operation
WARNING
If the tow hitch is badly fitted or unsuitable,
the trailer may separate from the vehicle
while driving. This could result in a serious
accident. Note
Use only tow hitches approved by SEAT for
the vehicle. Maximum gross trailer weight
The instructions in the official vehicle docu-
ments take precedence. All the technical data
provided in this documentation is applicable
to the basic model. The vehicle data label in
the Maintenance Programme or the vehicle
documentation shows which engine is instal-
led in your vehicle.
The figures may be different depending
whether additional equipment is fitted, for
different models and for special vehicles.
WARNING
Exceeding the maximum trailer weight indica-
ted could cause a serious accident.
● Never exceed the indicated trailer weight. CAUTION
Exceeding the maximum trailer weight indica-
ted could cause damage to the vehicle. ● Never exceed the indicated trailer weight. Gross combined vehicle weight rating
The instructions in the official vehicle docu-
ments take precedence. All the technical data
provided in this documentation is applicable
to the basic model. The vehicle data label in
the Maintenance Programme or the vehicle
documentation shows which engine is instal-
led in your vehicle.
The figures may be different depending
whether additional equipment is fitted, for
different models and for special vehicles.
The maximum combined weights listed are
only applicable for altitudes up to 1000 m
above sea level. The weight of the car and
trailer must be reduced by about 10% for ev-
ery further 1000 m (or part thereof).
WARNING
Exceeding the maximum weight indicated
could cause a serious accident.
● Never exceed the gross combined weight
rating. CAUTION
Exceeding the maximum gross combined
weight rating indicated could cause damage
to the vehicle. ● Never exceed the gross combined weight
rating. 188

Care and maintenance
Advice
Care and maintenance
Accessories, replacement of
parts and modifications Introduction WARNING
The use of spare parts and accessories, or in-
correctly performed modifications or repairs
may result in damage to the vehicle, acci-
dents and serious injury.
● SEAT strongly recommends you to only use
SEAT approved accessories and SEAT ®
origi-
nal spare parts. These parts and accessories
have been specially tested by SEAT for suita-
bility, reliability and safety.
● Have any repairs or modifications carried
out at a specialised workshop. These work-
shops have the necessary tools, diagnostics
equipment, repair information and qualified
personnel.
● Only mount parts with the same specifica-
tions as the parts fitted at factory.
● Never mount, fasten or fit objects such as
drink holders or telephone cradles over the
covers of the airbag modules or within their
radius of action. ●
Only use wheels and tyre combinations
which have been approved by SEAT for your
vehicle type. Accessories and spare parts
SEAT recommends you consult an Official
Service before purchasing accessories and
spare parts or consumables. For example,
when fitting accessories at a later date, or
when replacing a component. A technical
service centre will advise you as to the legal
requirements and manufacturer's recommen-
dations regarding accessories, spare parts
and other components.
SEAT recommend you use only approved
SEAT accessories
and
genuine SEAT spare
p
arts ®
. These parts and accessories have
been specially tested by SEAT for suitability,
reliability and safety. In addition the techni-
cal service centre will guarantee that the as-
sembly is carried out professionally.
Although we continually monitor the market,
SEAT cannot guarantee that products not ap-
proved by SEAT are reliable, safe and suita-
ble for the vehicle. Therefore, SEAT cannot ac-
cept liability, even in those cases authorised
by an officially recognised technical inspec-
tion office or other official body.
Any retro-fitted equipment which has a direct
effect

on the vehicle and/or the way it is driv- en must be approved by SEAT for use in your
vehicle and bear the e mark (the European
Union's authorisation symbol). This includes
cruise control systems or electronically con-
trolled suspension.
If any
additional electrical devices are fitted
which do not serve to control the vehicle it-
self, these must bear the  mark (European
Union manuf

acturer conformity declaration).
This includes refrigerator boxes, laptops or
ventilator fans. WARNING
Unprofessional repairs or modifications to
the vehicle may affect the performance of the
airbags, and may cause operating faults or fa-
tal accidents.
● Never mount, fasten or fit objects such as
drink holders or telephone cradles over the
covers of the airbag modules or within their
radius of action.
● Objects placed over the airbag covers, or
within their radius of action, could lead to se-
rious injury or loss of life if the airbags are
triggered. Fluids and consumables
All vehicle fluids and consumables
, such as
notched belts, tyres, coolant fluids, engine
oils, spark plugs and batteries are continual-
ly being developed. Therefore all fluids and »
189Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Advice
consumables should be changed at a speci-
alised workshop. Technical services are per-
manently informed of any modifications. WARNING
The incorrect use or handling of fluids or con-
sumables may result in accident, serious in-
jury, burns or intoxication.
● Therefore, fluids must always be stored
closed in their original container.
● Never store fluids in empty food containers
or bottles as other people may accidentally
drink the fluid.
● Keep all fluids and consumables out of
reach of children.
● Read and observe the information and
warnings given on the fluid containers.
● Only work in the open air or in well-ventila-
ted zones, when using products which give
off harmful vapours.
● Never use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, ace-
tone or any other volatile liquid in the main-
tenance of the vehicle. These are toxic and
highly flammable. They could lead to fire or
explosions! CAUTION
● Only use appropriate fluids. Do not confuse
fluids as this can cause serious malfunctions
or engine damage.
● Accessories and other components moun-
ted in front of the air inlet reduce the cooling effect of the coolant. If the engine is running
under great strain in high outside tempera-
tures, it could overheat.
For the sake of the environment
Leaking fluids could pollute the environment.
Collect any spilt fluids in suitable containers
and dispose of them in accordance with legis-
lation and with respect for the environment. Repairs and technical changes
When performing repairs and technical mod-
ifications, SEAT's directives must be ob-
served!

›
›› Unauthorised modifications to the electronic
components or software in the vehicle may
cause malfunctions. Due to the way the elec-
tronic components are linked together in net-
works, other indirect systems may be affec-
ted by the faults. This may significantly affect
the vehicle's performance, increase compo-
nent wear and could mean that the vehicle
registration documents are no longer valid.
Your technical service centre cannot be held
liable for any damage caused by technical
modifications or repairs performed incorrect-
ly.
The technical service centre does not accept
liability for damage resulting from technical
modifications or repairs performed incorrect-ly; neither is the SEAT warranty valid in these
cases.
SEAT recommends you have any technical
modifications or repairs performed at a tech-
nical service centre and that you use
genuine
SEAT spare parts ®
.
Vehicles with special accessories and
equipment
The manufacturers of additional equipment
guarantee that the equipment complies with
applicable laws and regulations with respect
to the environment, in particular Directives
2000/53/CE and 2003/11/CE. The first direc-
tive governs the disposal of end-of-life vehi-
cles while the second refers to the restric-
tions on the marketing and use of certain
dangerous substances and preparations.
The vehicle owner should keep the documen-
tation for the additional equipment safely
and hand it over to the scrap yard at the end
of the vehicle's service life. This ensures that
any additional equipment mounted in end-of-
life vehicles is correctly disposed of with re-
spect for the environment. WARNING
Repairs or modifications which are not per-
formed correctly may result in damage or er-
rors in the vehicle operation, affecting the ef-
fectiveness of the driver assist systems. This
could result in serious accident. 190